Tag: X-O Manowar

Latest stories

For our NCBD Reviews this week, we look at two Jeff Lemire books, and Valiant break out a must read #1 with X-O Manowar. Remember to check out all of this week’s new releases and take a look at our other blog articles so see our thoughts on other books. Be sure to comment or share our post on Facebook or Twitter if you like our articles!

SPOILER ALERT — We try to keep from posting spoilers, but one may sneak through to our reviews now and again. Read with caution, true believers.

One thing I hear daily around the office is that “You need to start reading Valiant, they are doing some amazing things.” I figure there is no better time to jump into the world of Valiant than with X-O Manowar #1, a book that kicks off a brand new story focused on Valiant’s top hero.

I was immediately blown away the minute I opened the book thanks to the art by Tomas Giorello. Luckily, the art is matched by a gripping story by the renowned Matt Kindt. Even though the last X-O Manowar story I read was in the ‘90s, Kindt makes it easy to follow the story even if you don’t know anything about X-O Manowar.

Aric, wanting to escape the warfare and carnage on Earth, has fled to another planet to live a peaceful life. However, he ends up conscripted by the local military force and is forced to fight once again. It’s a gritty, engaging tale that is a far cry from what I read in 1992 and it is fantastic.

Like all good comics, X-O Manowar #1 ends on a perfect cliffhanger with a moment that will make you pine for issue #2 the minute you see the panel. I know I’ll definitely put X-O Manowar on my pull list after this fantastic issue and start paying closer attention to Valiant in the future. [Josh P. at TFAW.com]

Did you read superhero comic when you were young? Remember all those Jack Kirby Cosmos adventures? Black Hammer will fit right in! This is one hell of a comic series. With crazy superheroes like Whiptara, and Colonel Weird, fighting the Anti-God. This is great throwback to a superhero era long gone. What really great about this series though is, it’s really more about characters and their lives then about defeating the bad guy by the end of the issue.

Jeff Lamire proves time and time again how amazing he is at character driven narratives. Along side him in Black Hammer is Dean Ormston doing a fantastic job at spinning the Jack Kirby style. Who can forget Dave Stewart’s colors? I know I’m saying this a lot but, the books screams Jack Kirby and I love it! [Martin M. at TFAW.com]

As you’d expect after the frantic action of Inhumans Vs. X-Men, Extraordinary X-Men #20 slows things down considerably. While there is some action, the X-Men themselves are never in any true danger and the action itself is just a means to tie up a loose end. Which is a lot of what this issue does: The comic ties up loose ends and provides a fitting conclusion to the team. It’s been rare in the last few years that we get to see the X-Men relax and enjoy themselves, and the last few pages of this comic put a smile on my face as they did just that.

The future for the X-Men is looking up – as Storm herself puts it, “it feels like the end of a chapter… a particularly dark chapter at that.” While Jeff Lemire did a fantastic job on Extraordinary X-Men and is is an excellent sendoff, it’s the future of mutant-kind that has me excited. While this book isn’t necessary reading for those planning on diving into the X-Books with Resurrxion, it serves as a great lead-in to X-Men Prime #1. [Josh P. at TFAW.com]

Valiant Comics started back in 1989 – with the boom in comics during the early ’90’s Valiant was bought by Acclaim Entertainment – a Video Game developer. In 2004 Acclaim shut down. One year later Valiant Entertainment restarted and since then has gone on to create some of the most original, award-winning titles. Most recently having 50 Nominations in the 2016 Harvey Awards.

Over most summers, like most superhero publishers, they have a big event. Now when I say “big event”, I’m not talking 30+ issues spanning 9 different titles. No, Valiant doesn’t play that game. When they do big events typically the main series is only 5 issues, and will only spread across a couple of their on-goings. This summer is no exception with their event – 4001 A.D. This series focuses on the future within the Rai comics.

4001 A.D.
The most ambitious comics event of 2016 brings war to the 41st century – with Rai leading the charge! One hundred years from today, Father – the benevolent artificial intelligence that governs the island nation of Japan – will gain sentience. To defend its borders, Father will take drastic action by launching Japan into space…where its people will thrive in isolation, away from the overpopulated and resource-deprived planet below.

One thing is that all of the Valiant characters are connected in some way. Even if they are not currently interacting or on the same team. For example, Armstrong from the Archer & Armstrong series is the middle brother of The Eternal Warrior, and Ivar, the Time Walker. Even currently Faith (one of the best new characters in comics) and Archer are now a couple, having their first date within Archer & Armstrong #5. There are lots of connections within the Valiant Universe.
Another thing to note about this publisher is that even though they publish “superhero” comics that are all connected, their series range from vigilante-style heroes (Bloodshot) to Sci-Fi adventures (Divinity). Even those who like comedy and wacky adventures like Deadpool will get enjoyment out of Archer & Armstrong.

What about a story involving a suit of armor? X-O Manowar – After a brutal encounter with a mysterious enemy known as The Vine leaves him a prisoner on an alien world, the only hope Aric has of returning to his family and saving them from slavery is to seize armored suit capable of incalculable destruction and become X-O Manowar! The Vine destroyed Aric’s world. Now he will give them war.

If you shop with us at any of our Oregon Locations this month, pick any Valiant Entertainment product and you’ll get a raffle ticket for a weekly drawing of Valiant merchandise, including hardcover graphic novels and signed comics. Then come back on the 31st for the opening of the Valiant Time Capsule, where we’ll be raffling off items from it. This promotion is valid

Still unsure if Valiant Entertainment is right for you? Come on by and ask us what would be up your ally based on your current reads. Valiant has something for everyone.

Each week we take a look at a small selection of New Comic Book Day books. From this week’s new releases we’re looking at: Spider-Gwen, Captain America Steve Rogers, a new Dark Horse series Cryptocracy, and the start of Valiant’s final arc of X-O Manowar. Be sure to comment or share our post on Facebook or Twitter if you like our articles!

SPOILER ALERT — We try to keep from posting spoilers, but one may sneak through to our reviews now and again. Read with caution, true believers.

Our first Spider-Gwen Annual is in the bag. We get five stories in this double-sized book, and I gotta say, it was a ton of fun! I know, the Parker story is tragic, but seeing it from this other Earth’s (I believe it’s Earth-65) side is really cool. I like seeing how events were different.

The first story is the wrestling story retold, wherein the 616, Parker tries to win money, and Uncle Ben dies. This time, Spider-Gwen is trying to win it all. Wrestling against She-Hulk.

Captain America makes an appearance, but this is definitely a different Cap than we’ve had before with a very different backstory. Similar to some events, but overall a cool, different take, with lots of nods to the 616 characters.

I don’t want to spoil the fun of these other stories. I will, however, say that I want to see some of these heroes and villains more regularly.

If you haven’t been reading Spider-Gwen and you love the quirks of Deadpool and Spider-Man. This series is really a must read. [Martin M. at TFAW.com]

After last month’s mind blowing ending, we get plenty of answers in this issue. Nick Spencer lays it out all out for us with the utmost detail and makes it all worthwhile. It is not simple but it is not complex either. What it is, is ENTERTAINING. Spencer’s writing continues to be humorous where needed and moves us right along. His arc here is sure to be an epic story.

I am fighting the urge to spoil anything here because there are so many cool aspects to cover within these 32 pages. In addition, I am quickly becoming a fan of the art by Jesus Saiz. His layouts and facial expressions really have a way of connecting the reader to the emotions laid forth by Spencer’s words. Great Job fellas! [Sean W. at Milwaukie TFAW]

Welcome to Cryptocracy (noun [Plural Cryptocracies] 1. A form of government where the real leaders are hidden or merely unknown).

Forget the Illuminati, Freemasons, and The Knights Templar This is what is actually running the world: nine families and a few thousand followers/agents (not all human by the way).

In this introduction, we find that a botched job in Chicago calls attention to something much bigger. Someone or some group is looking to take it all over. Van Jensen created a great first issue for us. Along with Pete Woods’ art, I’m excited to see where Cryptocracy takes us, and how they are involved in some of the world’s most mysterious events. Definitely recommended for conspiracy enthusiasts and readers who enjoy Greg Rucka’s Lazarus. [Martin M. at TFAW.com]

Long ago in the year 2012, we saw the relaunch of the Valiant universe with the release of the first issue of X-O Manowar. It filled me with hope that my favorite independent comic book characters of the ’90s were back.

I was blown away at the respect and heightened level of intensity in which the new Valiant were delivering. X-O Manowar, the flagship character, and the comic book was truly something amazing; and with new life infused, it was sure to go in a bold new direction. Here we are, at what could be the final arc of the story, and I can’t help but feel that there is still a much bigger picture in play. This issue does not make a new reader feel too lost, although it would probably not be the best place to start.

The events that have led us here are all culminating in a solid example of what makes the character X-O Manowar so enduring. This issue, along with all the rest leading up to the finale at #50, comes polybagged with a microprint of X-O inside—some of which will be the actual original artwork, others regular prints! This is a really cool sendoff, and I hope that it isn’t the end completely. I absolutely recommend this series as a whole. [Casey D. at TFAW.com]

What did you think of these books? What should we review next week? Let us know below!

It’s a big New Comic Book Day . With the end of Snyder and Capullo’s Batman Run, our comic intro to TV’s Supergirl, Tommy’s seduction to evil in Mighty Morphin Power Rangers, and we dive further into Valiant’s 4001 A.D. Remember these are only a few of this week’s new releases. Check out our other blog articles so see our thoughts on past books. Be sure to comment or share our post on Facebook or Twitter! SPOILER ALERT — We try to keep from posting spoilers, but one may sneak through to our reviews now and again. Read with caution, true believers.

In the final issue of the New 52 Batman, we get insight into the part of Batman’s life that we haven’t been able to see. We all know what made Bruce Wayne the Batman. Events drove him to be the scourge of the criminal underground in Gotham and the rest of the DCU. In this new issue, though, Batman faces a new villain that is trying to steal one of Bruce Wayne’s secrets. It’s unsure what could it be–documents of his time as Batman? A list of the Bat-family’s identities? Even worse, the identity of other superheroes?–and tension is high until the final emotional pages. In this perfect end to a truly exciting 52 issue run. Which introduced us to the Court of Owls, the amazing events of Year Zero, Joker’s return in the terrifying Death of the Family, the “final” battle between Batman and his greatest enemy in Endgame, and his return in Superheavy. This issue shows us what is most valuable to both Batman and Bruce Wayne. Realizing that if disappearing is the first step, this issue shows us what the final step is, too. I can’t wait to see what comes next in Rebirth for our favorite caped crusader! [Steve M. at Milwaukie TFAW]

Set 100 years from now, New Japan launches its new utopian city into the sky causing a shockwave that kills millions. The UN takes a page out of Pacific Rim’s playbook and gets to work on weaponized suits of armor to combat the threat of New Japan’s devastating and callous A.I. program, Father. What they don’t realize is that Father has anticipated and prepared for this. This provides a nice background for Valiant’s massive crossover event. Robert Venditti and Clayton Henry find all the right ways to hook readers in. Venditti’s dialogue and descriptions are honed in giving the story maximum effect. Henry delivers the chilling imagery of a society putting every resource into one ultimate weapon. This triumphantly builds up the X-O Manowar suits and Father. Two key players in the main 4001 A.D. story. If Valiant’s crossover seems daunting to jump into, this book will be a nice way to get your feet wet and get a taste for the stories ahead. Plus, it has giant robots fighting against a flying city while a pink cyber assassin kills people by turning them into binary code. What more could you ask for? [Tim S. at TFAW.com]

If you’re familiar with the popular CBS series Supergirl, then you’re in for a treat. Since this is a number one, old and new fans will quickly fall in love with this series. This issue gives you a good idea of what type of superhero Kara is, and what her biggest values are. Similar to her well-known cousin, she believes in helping and saving everyone no matter what the cost. Overall, she believes in hope. We start off in the middle of a major fight scene between Supergirl and Rampage. Kara is not going down without a fight. She soon realizes Rampage only gets stronger with each punch she takes. As Supergirl feels like she has won, she is brutally mistaken. Supergirl is knocked out, kidnapped and her sister’s life is in grave danger. Kara wakes up in a place she’s never been with people that know more about her than she knows about them. Will she be able to save her sister? Will she be able to defeat Rampage once and for all? I guess you have to read Adventures Of Supergirl #1! [Darcey M. at Universal Citywalk TFAW]

Three issues in already, for me this is a top read, and even now I can’t wait for more. Let me explain what’s been going on: post-Rita creating the Evil Green Ranger, our gang of Power Rangers saved him. Although Rita still has her witching ways, trying to break Tommy down by manipulating what he sees, hears, and dreams. She’s trying to break him, and doing a good job at it. Kyle Higgens is leading me into this new, “updated” version of my childhood. Don’t think that I mean it’s gritty and dark. It blends the original mythology/charm with the spice of today’s storytelling standards. It’s incredible & every month I get excited to read it. Don’t get discouraged if you never watched Mighty Morphin Power Rangers back in ’93. You can very easily pick this series up and connect with these heroes. Boom, Kyle, Hendry Prasetya and Jamal Campbell all do such a good job bringing back this universe. [Martin M. at TFAW.com]

What did you think of these books? What should we review next week? Let us know below!

What would it be like to be a man from the 5th Century–in control of technology that far outstrips anything the 21st Century has ever seen? That’s the question put forth by X-O Manowar, an original comic book series from Valiant Entertainment.

We held an X-O Manowar Contest that ended earlier this month, and we’re excited to announce the winners!

Jacob P. from Buffalo, NY

Bobby K. from Athens, TX

Daniel C. from Carlsbad, CA

Chris E. from Tatum, TX

David M. from Springfield, OR

Ryan G. from Kingwood TX

Justin H. from Rolling Hills Estates, CA

A. Wilson from Reston, VA

Tarik B. from Silverspring, MD

Enrico B. from Blue Grass, IA

Congratulations to our winners! You’ll each get a X-O Manowar #1 “talking” QR Voice Variant signed by series writer Robert Venditti, and a copy of Harbinger #1, Bloodshot #1, and Archer & Armstrong #1 as part of the contest! Stay tuned to the TFAW Blog for announcements on another hot contest soon!

We’ve made it simple to share this video on Facebook and other social media outlets with the social networking buttons near the title. If you wouldn’t mind doing us a solid and sharing this video with your friends, we’d be eternally grateful. What should we review next week? Post your comments below and we’ll see what we can do!

What would it be like to be a man from the 5th Century–in control of technology that far outstrips anything the 21st Century has ever seen? That’s the question put forth by X-O Manowar, an original comic book series from Valiant Entertainment.

Originally debuting in 1992 from Valiant Comics, X-O Manowar focused on Aric of Dacia, a man at war against the ancient Roman Empire. When he’s kidnapped by aliens and held prisoner, Aric fights his way free, discovers a suit of X-O Manowar-class armor, and returns to Earth–only to discover that 16 centuries have passed in his absence. Without family or friends–and possessing the most advanced technology known to man–Aric must find his place in the world.

Sound interesting? You’re in luck: 10 years after the second X-O Manowar series concluded, Valiant Entertainment is relaunching their major superhero titles this spring and summer, starting with X-O Manowar–with New York Times-bestselling author Robert Venditti and famed artist Cary Nord!

We had a chance to ask Venditti some questions about his involvement in the series and what he’s most looking forward to–read on, below. Plus, enjoy a six-page preview of X-O Manowar #1, out May 2.

TFAW.com:How did you become involved with Valiant Entertainment, and X-O Manowar?

Robert Venditti: Warren Simons, Executive Editor at Valiant, reached out to me last June. He told me about Valiant’s plans to relaunch their line, and I was immediately interested. He sent me a bunch of material on Valiant’s characters–and I did some researching on my own–and X-O Manowar resonated with me. There were a lot of Valiant characters, both heroes and villains, that I was interested in, but I had to start somewhere!

RV: So many things. There’s such a strong core concept driving the book, and the blend of historical fiction and science fiction isn’t something you see very often in comics. I also liked the idea of writing for a shared universe. Most of my work to date has been creator-owned, so taking on a new challenge like this will allow me to try a different style of writing.

RV: I wasn’t overly familiar with the character, but that speaks more to my inexperience with comics in general. I didn’t start reading comics until around 2000, so beyond general pop culture awareness, I wasn’t really aware of any of the established universes or characters. I’ve done my homework now, though. I wouldn’t take on a project like this without having a solid understanding of the character’s history.

RV: We’ve used the original Valiant run as the basis for our story, but we’ve expanded on it and added to it in ways that will hopefully let the series resonate both with longtime fans and readers who are new to the character. We spent a lot of time fleshing out The Vine, the alien race who abducts Aric from his own time and is ultimately responsible for him coming into possession of the X-O Manowar armor. We’ve also added some new abilities to the armor, including one that will be the key to the first year of the series.

TFAW.com:The original premise was of a primitive man who ends up wielding extremely advanced technology. What are the most intriguing wrinkles of that scenario to you?

RV: Aric is at the same time the world’s most primitive and most technologically advanced person. It’s a wonderful dichotomy, and it lends itself to all kinds of storytelling possibilities.

TFAW.com:What do you think are the key traits of our hero, Aric of Dacia?

RV: He’s a skilled warrior and a born leader, but his battle prowess and charisma have not yet been tempered by experience. So while he has the best intentions, things don’t always turn out the way he’d hoped. A Visigoth by birth, he also grew up in a time when his people didn’t have a homeland to call their own.

They were a nomadic culture, forced to get by on what they could scratch together from within the boundaries of the Roman Empire. Take a character with that type of background and give him command of the most powerful weapon in the universe, and you have a recipe for telling exciting, action-packed stories. You also have an opportunity to see Cary Nord draw some really incredible scenes.

TFAW.com:Will X-O Manowar be encountering any of Valiant’s other heroes soon?

RV: Absolutely. One of the big attractions of writing a project like this is you have access to a huge catalog of characters. A big part of my initial pitch focused on the ways X-O Manowar can interact with the rest of the universe.

TFAW.com:What’s the atmosphere like at Valiant Entertainment right now?

RV: There’s so much energy at the home office. You can feel the enthusiasm of the staff. Everyone is genuinely proud of the books, and it’s reflected in the effort they’re putting into getting the word out.

RV: Working with the writers and artists from Valiant’s other titles to build the new universe. The team they’ve assembled is so rich in talent and experience, and I look forward to talking through ideas with them. It isn’t often that you get the chance to not only relaunch a character, but also help shape an entire universe, and I’m not taking anything for granted.

We want to thank Robert for giving us the inside scoop on X-O Manowar! You can pre-order X-O Manowar #1 and #2 from us today and save 20%. Plus, save 35% on Harbinger #1, Valiant’s second series relaunch, by Joshua Dysart and Khari Evans!

Make sure to enter our X-O Manowar Contest to win one of 10 QR Voice Variant Cover Editions of #1 signed by Robert Venditti!

The newly relaunched Valiant Entertainment announced its Pullbox Variant Program, introducing special variants available for pre-order! They’re kicking things off with a variant edition of X-O Manowar #1, out May 2, with a cover by artist Cary Nord. Want it? Pre-order it before May 2, and you’ll save 20% off the cover price. We also have the standard edition of X-O Manowar #1 available for pre-order, with a fantastic cover by Esad Ribic!

X-O Manowar is back, helmed by New York Times-bestselling author Robert Venditti and Eisner Award-winning artist Nord! Born into battle, Aric of Dacia has never known peace. After an encounter with an enemy known as The Vine, the only hope Aric has of returning to his family is to become X-O Manowar!